Kim Wilkie is a strategical and conceptual Landscape Architect with over 25 eld of experience running his own practice .
presently , work on a range of projects , including the redesign of Wakehurst Place for the Royal Botanic Garden and a sculptured earthform for the Dulwich Picture Gallery , Kim is one of the leading Landscape Designers in the South of England .
I talk with Kim about his work on environmental committees , his favourite project and what he envisions for the future of landscape intention .
Can You Tell Us About Your Journey Into Landscape Architecture And What Inspired You To Choose This Career?
“ I had n’t even heard about the profession until I was in my twenty dollar bill , ” Kim commence .
“ I was play as an environmental correspondent in Iran and came across landscape painting architects for the first sentence . I was blow away .
“ A task that involved land , people , plant and design sounded like a thoroughgoing aspiration – and it is . It took a while to lift the braveness and funds to go back to university all over again , but finally , I got a place at UC Berkeley and have been grinning ever since . ”
How Do You Balance The Artistic And Practical Aspects Of Your Work?
“ I really think the two are totally interwoven . landscape painting computer architecture is fundamentally about connecting landed estate , water and life history – both wild and human .
“ It should be beautiful in hardheaded elegance , simplicity and respect for the ground and its history .
“ We do n’t create finished study of art but do need to be disingenuous in stimulating a tenacious and living process . ”
You’ve Been Involved In Various National Committees On Landscape & Environmental Policy In The UK. What Are Some Key Issues You’re Currently Focused On?
“ I am torn between spend time on insurance policy and simply designing honest example to inspire others ” .
“ I gauge my main aim has been to encourage the mind that everything is connected . land , housing , water quality and soil health – they all need to be understood as part of the same equating .
“ Carbon is the building block of life . revile it in closing off miss the fantastic complexness of live sensitively on the planet . ”
Is There A Particular Project That You Are Most Proud Of?
“ I have been lucky to work on some amazing projects around the earth , but my deepest love is for the smallholding where I grew up in the Hampshire Downs .
“ Planting timberland , establishing hayfield and care cow , chickens and veggie has been the greatest of privileges and pleasures . ”
Can You Share Any Memorable Experiences Or Challenges You’ve Faced?
“ The challenges make the task , ” aver Kim .
“ Whether it was getting community mathematical group and local authorities to talk to one another along the Thames , finding way to keep produce viable in Transylvania or elicit tonnes of dust from the centre of the V&A , each challenge has shaped and determined the purpose and approach .
“ As I state , landscape computer architecture is as much about the process as the drawing . ”
What’s One Piece Of Gardening Advice You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self?
“ Keep go – you ’ll love it . ”
How Do You See The Future Of Landscape Architecture Evolving, Particularly In The Context Of Climate Change And Environmental Sustainability?
“ How we hold up on the land and take fear of weewee will be cardinal , ” he explains .
“ live on well with a sense of perpetual fertility and thriving wildlife should be our commission .
“ We must understand how everything affects everything else . Our food , our shelter and our sanity depend on respect for the farseeing - term life on the control surface of the terra firma . ”
Do You Have Any Upcoming Projects That You’re Particularly Excited About?
“ We have just beget planning permission for the Dulwich Picture Gallery Sculpture Meadow and I am working with the Royal Botanic Gardens on programme for Wakehurst Place .
“ These are completely amazing projects and I ca n’t wait to get start . ”
